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Essential open home FAQs answered

A successful open home could be the key to selling your property. But opening your doors to dozens of strangers can be stressful and difficult, particularly if you’re already on edge about the sale.

To help make your upcoming home as stress-free and successful as possible, we’ve whipped up answers to four frequently asked questions. With the right knowledge and a sound strategy, your property’s sale could be a sure thing after your open home.

Do I need to have an open home?

The open home is one of the most useful tools in your repertoire when attracting buyers.

When selling your home, you should use everything you have at your disposal to appeal to buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale. The open home is one of the most useful tools in your repertoire when doing so.

Emotion is just as important as logic when buying, and open homes allows buyers to react emotionally to your home by seeing it for themselves. At the end of the day whether or not you have an open home is up to you, but keep in mind that if you don’t you may be missing a chance.

Should I attend my own?

Your presence as the owner may make buyers feel awkward about looking closely at the property.

When buyers attend open homes they like to check every nook and cranny. Your presence as the owner may make them feel awkward about looking closely at the property, causing them to skim over the details and perhaps even leave early.

With that in mind, you certainly can attend your own open home, just make yourself scarce and let buyers come to you if they have any questions. Alternatively you can leave it to a local estate agent, who’s most likely experienced hundreds of open homes and can help give prospective buyers the information they need.

Should I stage my home beforehand?

Over 80 per cent of buyers say staging makes it easier to visualise themselves living in a home.

Staging costs money, but the fact is, doing it right could mean a quicker sale and even a higher sale price. Your stager will depersonalise your home, presenting it as a product to buyers, rather than a family home full of someone else’s memories.

A 2015 National Real Estate Association study revealed that over 80 per cent of buyers say staging makes it easier to visualise themselves living in a home. This is an essential part of the buying process, and could lead to more offers and a higher sale price. Ask your local real estate agent if you’re not sure about staging and he or she can give you advice about whether it’s necessary for your home.

What do I need to get sorted beforehand?

If a buyer falls in love with your home on the spot, you could be in for a fast tracked sale if you play your cards right. That means having all the information that someone interested in buying your property could possibly want to know on hand. This should include the following:

A sheet detailing key facts about the property: its size in square feet, the number of rooms it has, the amount of car parks it has.

All inspection reports and appraisals.

Certification for any renovations that you have undertaken.

With this information on hand, you can swiftly move the buying process on to the next stage and even begin to negotiate.

A successful open home is all about presenting your property in the best light possible. If you need help making sure your property looks its best for sale get in touch with your local real estate agent today.